Shortage of Dukes balls due to war, England cricket faces a strange situation ahead of the coming season
The crisis stems from geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, disrupting shipping routes and skyrocketing transport costs. Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd, highlighted the challenges.
Due to the multi-continental process of Dukes ball's production, ECB is currently facing a shortage of balls amid the Gulf War.
Last Updated: 08.02 PM, Mar 19, 2026
English cricket is facing an unusual logistical suffering as a tormenting shortage of Dukes balls endangers the upcoming County Championship and the home Test summer. With the new season set to start on April 3, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been dealt a "wake-up call," with only 50% of the usual ball stock presently obtainable.
Reason behind the crisis
The crisis arises from the escalating war in the Gulf, which has paralysed standard shipping routes from the subcontinent. The trouble has not only slowed deliveries but has sent transport costs soaring, leaving the game’s stakeholders racing for answers.
Dilip Jajodia, the owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd (the makers of Dukes), has been vocal about the "major crisis" caused by the geopolitical fluctuation.
Production of Dukes balls is a multi-continental process
The manufacturing of a Dukes ball is a complicated, multi-continental process. British cowhide is tanned in Chesterfield, shipped to South Asia for professional hand-stitching, and then flown back to the United Kingdom for sales.
The big issue
The "gridlock" in the Middle East has disrupted this flow of production of Dukes balls and sales. Airline charges have reportedly tripled, jumping from a standard $5 per kilogram to a staggering $15 per kilo.
With rockets flying across key Middle Eastern passages, airlines are declining to take on cargo, leaving thousands of balls sitting in South Asian factories.
"I’d have had a word with Trump"
In a moment of harsh humour amidst the tension, Jajodia joked about the timing of the conflict and its impact on the "gentleman's game."
"If only I had known this was going to happen, I’d have had a word with Donald Trump. Please don’t attack anybody before the cricket season starts!" he joked, underlining the strange convergence of global war and domestic sports.
The ECB’s rationing plan
The ECB has confirmed that all 18 first-class counties have been alerted to manage their current supplies with extreme supervision. While the board remains optimistic that the backlog will clear before the season begins, the future of the County Championship remains under a cloud of indecision.